Pennsylvania Embraces Home Energy

Rising energy prices and environmental concerns have increased interest among consumers, design professionals, and the trades in green building technology and energy efficiency—or green energy, for short. In response to this combination of need and demand, the West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund (WPPSEF) has developed PA Home Energy, a new program to help link consumers to energy consultants and contractors who can provide high-quality green energy services. PA Home Energy uses a comprehensive whole-house approach that analyzes the overall performance of the home rather than simply evaluating a single component, such as a furnace. The program is unique in that it targets both existing and new homes in order to provide a comprehensive program that reaches all Pennsylvanians. PA Home Energy is supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). It makes extensive use of the experience and materials already developed for these agencies’ Energy Star Qualified New Homes program and their related program for existing homes, Home Performance with Energy Star. Other partners in the development of PA Home Energy include Allegheny Power, Affordable Comfort, Incorporated (ACI), and AFC First Financial. PA Home Energy is being ...